The Celtics and Pacers needed 53 minutes to decide Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, trading clutch shots, buzzer-beaters and steals before Boston outlasted Indiana, 133-128. After a thrilling opening game, here are three stars from the first game of the Eastern Conference Finals.
Before this season, Jaylen Brown signed the biggest contract in NBA history. In Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Brown hit one of the biggest shots of the playoffs, nailing a corner three-pointer to send the game to overtime with Indiana's Pascal Siakam draped all over him to try and deny the shot.
JAYLEN BROWN FOR THE TIE!!!
— NBA (@NBA) May 22, 2024
WHAT A SHOT https://t.co/czy6RQ5fU8 pic.twitter.com/9glul3RmWh
It was Brown's only three of the game, but possibly the most important shot of his NBA career so far. It tied the game 117-117, opening the door for Jayson Tatum's big performance in overtime.
Brown also hit two clutch free throws in the final minute, and just before his huge shot, his defense forced a Pacers turnover on an inbounds play that kept Indiana's lead at three points.
Brown's defense was all over the Game 1 win. After scoring Boston's first points of overtime, he preserved their late lead by stealing the ball from Pascal Siakam. While this wasn't his most impactful defensive play, Brown's most impressive defense came when he blocked Aaron Nesmith's shot, and then threw the ball off him out of bounds.
THE BLOCK AND THE SAVE FROM JB!
— NBA (@NBA) May 22, 2024
Pacers-Celtics | Game 1 on ESPN#NBAConferenceFinals presented by Google Pixel pic.twitter.com/YJhH8wWYDm
After the game, teammate Jrue Holiday said of Brown, "He pretty much did everything." When a guy saves the game on defense and offense, we're inclined to agree.
On Tuesday morning, Jrue Holiday was named to the sixth All-Defensive Team of his NBA career. On Tuesday night, Holiday reminded viewers that he can play a little offense, too.
Holiday shot 4-of-5 to keep the Celtics offense afloat in the fourth quarter, and scored 18 of his 28 points after halftime to lead Boston.
Boston's offense doesn't usually revolve around Holiday post-ups, but he knew he could go to work on Pacers rookie Ben Sheppard.
Jrue Holiday works out in the mid-post for 2!
— NBA (@NBA) May 22, 2024
He's got 22 PTS and the Celtics lead by 1 in the 4th quarter of Game 1 on ESPN #NBAConferenceFinals presented by Google Pixel pic.twitter.com/SlGGu9l3DZ
He also threw the pass that got Brown his big shot. But it wouldn't be a Holiday game without him contributing on defense, which he did with three steals and one big drawn charge while playing 48 minutes. Holiday also helped hold Tyrese Haliburton scoreless in the fourth quarter.
Jrue Holiday gets there in time and takes the charge
— NBA (@NBA) May 22, 2024
Celtics seek a 1-0 series lead on ESPN!#NBAConferenceFinals presented by Google Pixel pic.twitter.com/DXp1TTn56o
This third star slot could have been Siakam, who had 24 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists, but it's hard to give props to the guy playing defense with his arms behind his back as Brown nailed his big three.
Instead, we'll go with Haliburton's huge effort, which included a buzzer-beater three from the Celtics logo to end the first half.
"BOOOOOM!"
— NBA (@NBA) May 22, 2024
Haliburton knew it felt good off his hands https://t.co/cJ2yVyB2OF pic.twitter.com/PepCwuhweG
It also included a difficult, leaning, banked-in three to beat the buzzer at the end of the third quarter.
What a shot from Haliburton to close the 3rd quarter #NBAConferenceFinals presented by Google Pixel https://t.co/pVw0ldgNCe pic.twitter.com/YqUtT536kl
— NBA (@NBA) May 22, 2024
He finished with 25 points on 8-of-18 shooting, taking all but four of his shots from behind the arc. In the fourth, he didn't shoot much but dished three assists, including dimes to Siakam on consecutive possessions.
PASCAL SIAKAM:
— NBA (@NBA) May 22, 2024
Hits the jumper.
Comes up with the steal.
Punches it on the other end.
Pacers take a 4-point lead with under 5 minutes to play in Game 1 on ESPN #NBAConferenceFinals presented by Google Pixel pic.twitter.com/OPH1S6ir9J
Haliburton also made what might have been remembered as the biggest defensive play of the game had things ended differently, swatting Derrick White from behind with a minute to go.
Haliburton with the block from behind!
— NBA (@NBA) May 22, 2024
Pacers lead by 3 with 57 seconds remaining in Game 1 on ESPN!#NBAConferenceFinals presented by Google Pixel pic.twitter.com/dwwCjdVPEf
Unfortunately, he and his teammates couldn't hang onto or score the ball enough in the final minute, and Game 1 ended in heartbreak for Indiana.
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!